Senegal: Opposition parties unite ahead of the legislative elections

With less than two months until Senegal’s early legislative elections on November 17, political parties are gearing up for a significant contest. Candidates have only four days left to submit their lists for approval by the Ministry of the Interior, prompting a flurry of activity across the political spectrum.

A major development in this evolving landscape is the establishment of a new coalition named the “Bloc of Liberals and Democrats” (BLD) – Takku, which translates to “unite” in Wolof. This alliance has united 40 political parties, including the prominent Alliance for the Republic (APR), led by former President Macky Sall, and Rewmi, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck.

The formation of this coalition coincides with rising speculation regarding the possible dissolution of the National Assembly, further intensifying the political atmosphere. While the APR and Rewmi are significant components of the BLD-Takku, the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), led by Karim Wade, has opted out of the alliance.

Modou Diagne Fada, a former minister and one of the coalition’s key architects, emphasized that the coalition’s primary objective is to consolidate opposition forces against the current government. Initially aimed at fostering ideological collaboration, the coalition seeks to solidify into a formal electoral bloc as the country braces for impending legislative elections.

As parties scramble to finalize their strategies, the formation of the BLD-Takku is a clear signal of the shifting political dynamics in Senegal. The landscape is marked by alliances and rivalries, highlighting the intense competition that lies ahead.